An archaeologist opens Pandora’s Box when she discovers an old trunk hidden in a Welsh cave and learns she's part of an ancient legend.

SYNOPSIS:

While working at a dig in Wales, Archaeologist Dillwyn discovers an ancient trunk that contains letters and journals describing the events around Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79AD.

The letters were addressed to Emperor Titus, the writer reporting as a commander might. He signed his name, Josias, Grandson of Basilikos the Silk Merchant, and physician to Pliny the Elder.

The journals speak lovingly of his friends, and Dillwyn finds herself drawn to three of them: Ruby, a woman who gives wise counsel; Wajih, a little black slave boy whom Josias purchased, freed, and adopted, and Mongke, who tends to appear and disappear at will.

Dillwyn decides she must discover more about all four people!

However, she receives a call that her mother’s had a stroke. She immediately returns to Indiana, inadvertently taking the first step in her discovery.

Now, Dillwyn is clairaudient – she can sometimes hear the thoughts of other people – living or dead. So, she’s not too surprised when she hears a woman’s voice as she’s clearing out the attic and discovers a pendant encasing a large, oddly shaped ruby. The voice introduces herself as Ruby, an entity that inhabits the ruby and who will advise her, if she would like. Stunned, Dillwyn accepts. Ruby explains that Dillwyn will now have a protector who will be there when she needs him.

That Protector is Mongke. As he attends to Dillwyn’s protection – unseen by her – his activities draw the attention of Wajih, the once little slave boy adopted by Josias. In his grab for power, he created his own kingdom – one that became a Cursed Land and trapped him within its borders. He can only watch the outside world on a giant monitor, following the chaos his evil minions create. For over two thousand years he’s been searching for the ruby knowing it has special powers which he intends to use break the curse and rule the universe.

Realizing the ruby has been found, Wajih sends his minions after Dillwyn. Even though they don’t know who is after them, Dillwyn and Mongke – with Ruby’s help manage to outsmart those chasing them, even as they are pursued from continent to continent.

In snatches moments of reprieve, Mongke, with Ruby’s help, manages to tell Dillwyn that she is the last living descendant of Josias, and that she will inherit his estate. But before Dillwyn can take it all in, Mongke disappears.

Wajih, frustrated with the ineptness of his minions, has lured Mongke into his Cursed Land, knowing that Dillwyn - with the ruby, will come after him. His pleasure of shooting, whipping and leaving Mongke to die is short lived when Dillwyn does arrive. But the outcome is far from what Wajih expects. Both badly injured, they manage to escape the building and are rescued by several mythical creatures.

Once back with their friends, Dillwyn and Mongke finally admit their love for each other. However, Mongke is reminded that he must return to the Timeless Realm or die.

Devastated, Dillwyn returns to the farm. Ruby senses her distress and attempts to cheer her up by sharing visions of bygone adventures. But one day as she’s walking through falling snow when the snow turns to ash, shot through with lighting and flaming missiles. The earth rocks beneath her feet as thunder crashes and rumbles. What has she done?